1. E-Commerce

Does your Ektron site currently use the eCommerce module? Do you plan to use EPiServer Commerce going forward? This is important to understand, since using EPiServer Commerce not only requires additional licensing costs, but the cost of implementation will be higher as well.

EPiServer’s Commerce is a very robust e-commerce platform that provides a great deal of configuration options and seamless integration with a site’s content. While the cost and amount of work required to implement Commerce is greater, this investment is well worth it, resulting in a highly customizable site that will drive conversions and increase ROI.

2. License Credits

EPiServer understands the investment that website owners have made in their CMS platform, and they have repeatedly stated that they are eager and willing to help existing Ektron clients migrate to the Digital Experience Cloud. In certain circumstances, depending on your history with Ektron, you may be able to obtain credit toward the acquisition of EPiServer. If you’re planning to migrate, make sure you understand how much credit you will be able to receive toward your EPiServer license, so you can factor this into your budget for the migration.

3. Hosting Options

EPiServer is a web application that runs “leaner” than the Ektron platform in certain circumstances. This means that the server requirements for a site which has migrated to EPiServer may not need to be as robust. This may result in cost savings, but you’ll want to be sure to consult with your hosting provider to determine the best hosting configuration to meet your needs.

It is important to note that EPiServer offers some cloud-based packages, which will eliminate the need for on-premises hosting. These packages may cost more than paying for hosting today, but they do offer a more robust environment that offers the redundancy and scalability of a CDN. Understanding your business requirements will help you determine the best hosting option for your site following the migration to EPiServer.

4. Content Migration

Do you know how many pages, assets, and/or products currently exist on your site? When migrating to EPiServer, you will need to have a plan in place to move this content to the new platform. Performing a content audit will help you determine how much time and effort will be needed to migrate your content.

For a simple ballpark estimate of how many pages exist on your site, you can do a Google search for “site:[SITENAME]” (where [SITENAME] is your site’s domain name, such as cnn.com). The number of results returned is a good estimate of the number of pages you will need to migrate. (Note: this assumes that your site is publically searchable)

5. Port vs. Redesign

When migrating to EPiServer, do you plan to simply import the site’s content from Ektron while using the same page designs, templates, and HTML/CSS, or will you be performing a complete visual redesign of the site? When porting the site to the new platform, there are fewer content decisions to make and a lower overall cost. A full site redesign, while it is a much larger effort that will cost more to complete, will allow you to take advantage of the capabilities of EPiServer, address any existing usability issues, ensure that the site is mobile-friendly, and create a streamlined, personalized user experience.

Pro tip: When planning for a migration, avoid using terms like “light redesign” or “reskin”. While these may seem like less expensive options, they usually require the same amount of effort as a full site redesign.

Planning for the Future

We know that a migration from Ektron to EPiServer is a complicated prospect, but we’re here to help you along the way. We’ve created a presentation of 5 easy tools that will help you build your migration budget, and if you have any questions or want to know more about the migration process, please contact us. The opportunities that EPiServer provides to website owners are nearly endless, and we can’t wait to help you take advantage of them to realize the success of your digital strategy!

About the Author

Chris Osterhout

Chris rose through the ranks of website development, ASP.NET architecture, project management and team leadership, to overall digital solution strategy management. As SVP of Strategy, Chris helps clients understand the entire digital spectrum and guides them toward successful online solutions. Chris is a recognized expert on the Ektron / EPiServer CMS platforms and publishes, speaks and provides general thought leadership to clients and the greater web development community alike.